careers

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is an Employer of Choice in the region, aiming to recruit and employ staff based on merit and organisational needs. The Secretariat ensures that its employment selection upholds its values and commitment to the Forum membership, gender balance, and building a diverse and inclusive organisation. PIFS is committed to achieving gender balance and being fully representative of our member countries*. Our workforce is currently over 50% female, with  representatives from 15 of the 18 Forum member countries.

The Opportunity: Team Leader - Governance

Applications are invited to fill this vacant international position at the Secretariat in Suva. The Team Leader - Governance will lead the Political and Regional Governance Team in providing advice and guidance on political processes, stakeholder engagement, and regional policy development. The Team Leader will also lead the Secretariat’s work on good governance and leadership, as mandated by Forum Leaders. The key responsibilities are summarised as:

• Policy Analysis and Advice
• Good Governance and Leadership
• Coordinating Meetings and Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Performance & Leadership
• Corporate Accountabilities

Applicants should have an advanced degree (preferably postgraduate master’s level or equivalent) from a recognised university in political science, development, international relations, diplomacy, or related fields, with at least eight years work experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and/or public policy, preferably within the Pacific region and/or international and development policy context

Excellent facilitation and engagement skills, particularly developing and implementing stakeholder engagement and influencing strategies. Candidates with a sound knowledge of the concerns and interests of Forum members, and of the region’s positions on these concerns and interests

The Package

The position carries a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package including allowances for housing and education; and medical, accident, and life insurance coverage. This position is based on Band 12 of the PIFS salary scale. The starting salary for the position is SDR 45,113 per annum, which is equivalent to FJD 139,238 based on 1 November 2025 foreign exchange rate.

How to apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the PIFS website: www.forumsec.org where an information package containing the position description and full remuneration details are available. Candidates must include in either their application or Curriculum Vitae the full contact details of three referees.

To be eligible for the position, applicants must be nationals of Forum member countries. The Forum Secretariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The deadline for applications is Friday, 30 January 2026, 5pm (Fiji Time).

*Member States of the Pacific Islands Forum: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.